Kukla's Korner Hockey

The Tampa Bay Lightning has no written policy regarding what players can or cannot say on their social media pages or twitter accounts. Safe to assume, though, the team likely will reiterate to goaltender Dan Ellis that he has to be a bit more careful.

Cyberspace went a little bonkers Monday night after Ellis on his twitter account, @33dellis, complained about the 18 percent of salary that, in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement, all NHL players lose to escrow, and how, despite signing a two-year, $3 million contract with the Lightning, “I am more stressed about money now than I was in college.” That after last month getting into a debate over how players deserve the money they get because they are “specialists.”

Not only did Ellis’ twitter account light up, but twitter users began a trending topic called DanEllisProblems that mocked him and on Wednesday evening was still a going concern. The Internet was full of commentary, most of it negative.

I can see why people would be a bit ticked off, but really it just gives you a window into the lives of pro players. I bet most people here would still complain if they had $1000 or $100 000.

Hockey players are specialists, they are the top 1% of everyone who tries to play the sport, and do they deserve the money, maybe not, but who is paying for it?? We are. Anyone who watches a game, buys a jersey, buys a ticket, or any of the merchandise is paying for those contracts. There is money in entertainment, and that is why movie stars, and pro athletes get so much money.

Not only did Ellis’ twitter account light up, but twitter users began a trending topic called DanEllisProblems that mocked him and on Wednesday evening was still a going concern. The Internet was full of commentary, most of it negative.

A while ago I made an argument that most people side with the owners. This is why.

Yeah, it’s a bit asinine for Ellis to complain, but if you throw away all envy/jealousy, he’s right, isn’t he? Athletes are paid so much because we (the consumers) allow it to be that way. It’s a supply and demand issue, it isn’t personal. Having another 18% of your pay taken away (not including taxes) is a lot. I don’t care who you are or how much you have.

Frankly, the PA should be the ones telling Ellis to shut up, not the Lightning. All his yapping does is continue to build sentiment against the players from the public.

Ellis says he donates 10% of his salary to charity, that’s a good chunk of change no matter what your income bracket as well. Despite having 18% withheld, giving another 10% away is still very commendable.

Heck, how much of our own income is taken away by the government in taxes?